Is it your birthday? Apparently, Darius said. Apparently, Marcus echoed with emphasis. Victoria looked at the card. She looked at Darius and then she did something that surprised the entire table.
She pulled out the chair across from him and sat down. The table was very carefully not making a big deal out of this, but everyone at that table was absolutely making a big deal out of this in their own heads and Darius could feel it. I wanted to say something in person, not in a formal meeting. Victoria said the Hartwell account, the full recovery is finalized. They've renewed the contract for 3 years.
She looked at him steadily. Your analysis was the cornerstone of that. The team made the call work. Darius said the team had something to work with because of you. She said it simply without decoration and it landed the way honest things land cleanly without needing to be caught.
Then she added, "You should have had a higher title when you walked in the door of this company. I'll take that as job security. " Darius said. A small laugh moved around the table. Marcus, who was constitutionally incapable of letting a good moment rest, leaned forward. You see, Darius, this is what happens when you do good work.
People notice. Important people notice. He gestured at Victoria with his fork. What do you think, Miss Hayes? Darius here.
Single dad, hardest worker on the floor. Don't you think someone should be doing something to reward that kind of loyalty, Marcus? Darius said. I'm just asking the question everyone's thinking. Nobody is thinking that question.
I'm thinking it, said Priya. Victoria, to her credit, looked more amused than uncomfortable. What would you suggest? She asked, and it was directed at Marcus, but her eyes moved briefly to Darius. Marcus spread his hands philosophically.
Promotion. Bonus. A really nice plaque. He paused. Or, he grinned.
The grin of a man who had just decided to say the thing. You could just marry the man, make his life a little easier. The table erupted. Genuine laughter, the warm, effortless kind that comes from people who are comfortable with each other and have just been handed the perfect tension release. Priya covered her mouth.